mixing for tape

[sathyan]

Do you do anything different mixing-EQ-compression wise when producing cassette tapes or just transfer your CD mixes to tape?

is it worth using metal tapes?

the tapes will be played back in a car

thanks

 

[Massive Master]

You don't need to add any extra compression - Especially if you're going to hit the tape pretty hard.

I stay away from metal tape - Chrome is about the best multi-purpose tape that I can think of -

When possible, I'd use a deck that has a manual high-bias setting, but leave it at regular bias. The highs always seemed more natural that way (instead of actually setting the machine to CrO2).

 

[sathyan]

I guess what I was wondering is if tapes tend to roll off certain frequencies is it a good idea to boost those with EQ during recording to tape to compensate

My tape deck has an 8 segment meter going from -20 to +6 dB, what's a good level to use?

 

[Massive Master]

I don't "normally" compensate with high bias... Especially if the deck is set for normal.

On the levels, you might have to experiment a bit - If it's pretty dynamic stuff, peaks at +4 on quality tape shouldn't kill you. If it's pretty squished, you may have to go lower.